After studying the city budget for nine months, the 18-member voluntary Kent Financial Sustainability Task Force has completed its preliminary report and recommendations. The task force, appointed by Mayor Suzette Cooke and the Kent City Council, recommends that the city should prioritize:

Police staffing

Street maintenance

Economic development

Sewer and water system maintenance

Information technology planning

The task force was asked to examine city revenue and balance those resources against services, service delivery and other delivery options. The initial report was presented to the Kent City Council on May 3. After hearing public comments, the final report is due June 30, so that it can be considered in time for the 2017-19 biennial budget process.

The public is invited to comment on the task force’s recommendations on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in Kent City Council Chambers, 220 4th Ave. S, Kent, Washington.